ENERGY SERVICES OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF TRIBUTE CONTRACTING & CONSULTANTS

Rhea-AI Summary

Energy Services of America (NASDAQ: ESOA) has announced the acquisition of Tribute Contracting & Consultants, an underground utility contractor specializing in water and wastewater system installations across Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The transaction, valued at $22 million in cash (less assumed debt and working capital adjustments) plus $2 million in ESOA common stock, is expected to close in early December. Tribute's founders, Tom Enyart and Todd Harrah, will continue their roles under the new subsidiary, Tribute Acquisition Company.

Positive

• Strategic expansion into water distribution sector
• Acquisition of established business with regional presence in three states
• Retention of key leadership personnel ensuring operational continuity
• Cash and stock deal structure preserving company's liquidity

Negative

• Significant cash outlay of $22 million may impact working capital
• Potential shareholder dilution from $2 million stock issuance

Insights

Financial Analyst

This $24 million acquisition strategically expands Energy Services of America's footprint in the water utility sector. The deal structure, combining $22 million cash and $2 million in stock, maintains financial flexibility while aligning interests through equity participation. For a company with a $190 million market cap, this represents a significant transaction at about 12.6% of market value.

The acquisition of Tribute, an established player in water and wastewater systems across three states, diversifies ESOA's revenue streams and strengthens its competitive position in the utilities infrastructure sector. The retention of Tribute's founding leadership ensures operational continuity and expertise transfer. This move aligns with infrastructure spending trends and growing demand for water system upgrades across the US.

Market Research Analyst

The water infrastructure market presents substantial growth opportunities, with aging systems requiring upgrades nationwide. Tribute's specialized expertise in water and wastewater installations positions ESOA to capitalize on this expanding market segment. The geographic overlap in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia creates operational synergies and strengthens regional market presence.

The acquisition demonstrates ESOA's commitment to strategic growth through familiar, complementary businesses. This approach typically reduces integration risks and accelerates value creation. The water utility sector's defensive characteristics and essential service nature add stability to ESOA's business model, potentially reducing cyclical exposure.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy Services of America Corporation (the "Company" or "Energy Services") (Nasdaq: ESOA), today announced it has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Tribute Contracting & Consultants, LLC ("Tribute"), an underground utility contractor that primarily specializes in water and wastewater system installations in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Under the terms of the agreement, Energy Services' new subsidiary, Tribute Acquisition Company, will purchase substantially all of the assets of Tribute for $22 million in cash, less any assumed debt and working capital adjustments, and $2.0 million of Energy Services' common stock. The Company expects the transaction will close in early December. 

Tribute was formed in 2014 by Tom Enyart and Todd Harrah, who will continue in their roles under the new subsidiary. "We are excited to join forces with Energy Services and look forward to new opportunities in the future," commented Mr. Enyart and Mr. Harrah.

"We are excited to add Tribute to the Energy Services team," Douglas Reynolds, President, commented on the announcement. "This acquisition is consistent with our strategy of buying companies that are familiar to us and further enhances our presence in the water distribution category."

About Energy Services

Energy Services of America Corporation (NASDAQ: ESOA), headquartered in Huntington, WV, is a contractor and service company that operates primarily in the mid-Atlantic and Central regions of the United States and provides services to customers in the natural gas, petroleum, water distribution, automotive, chemical, and power industries. Energy Services employs 1,000+ employees on a regular basis. The Company's core values are safety, quality, and production.

Certain statements contained in the release including, without limitation, the words "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "expects" or words of similar import, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of the Company expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, general economic and business conditions, changes in business strategy or development plans, the integration of acquired business and other factors referenced in this release. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-services-of-america-announces-acquisition-of-tribute-contracting--consultants-302292180.html

SOURCE Energy Services of America Corporation

FAQ

How much is Energy Services of America (ESOA) paying for Tribute Contracting?

Energy Services of America is paying $22 million in cash (less assumed debt and working capital adjustments) plus $2 million in ESOA common stock.

When will ESOA complete the Tribute Contracting acquisition?

The acquisition is expected to close in early December 2024.

What is Tribute Contracting's main business area?

Tribute Contracting specializes in water and wastewater system installations in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Will Tribute's founders remain with the company after ESOA's acquisition?

Yes, founders Tom Enyart and Todd Harrah will continue in their roles under the new subsidiary, Tribute Acquisition Company.